A Dignified Revolution report

Responding to the publication of a report by A Dignified Revolution into neglect and cruelty suffered by older people in Welsh hospitals and care homes, Amy Clifton, Policy Advisor at Age Cymru says:

"Older people and their families should be able to feel confident that they will always be provided with high standards of compassionate care.

"This is why it is vital that the dignity and human rights of older people are placed at the centre of health and care services.

"Too often, dignity is is ignored in health and social care, and on occasions the system lets people down so badly that failings undermine basic human rights such as protection from degrading treatment and the rights to privacy and preservation of life.

"We are calling on the Welsh Assembly Government to implement mandatory human rights training for all heath and social care staff and urgently address failings in standards of basic care in some hospitals and care homes.

"Training for staff who care for and support older people is an important part of raising awareness about elder abuse and helping people to recognise it.

"Training can promote best practice and work to change cultural and institutional attitudes towards older people so that they are treated with dignity and respect as individuals.

"Training on elder abuse and adult protection procedures should be compulsory for all staff involved in the care and support of older people, as is the case with child protection procedures."